Children's Ministries
We at First Presbyterian aim to provide services to children from
birth through grade 6. We believe that the parent is the primary
spiritual leader in the life of a child. We aim to support that
leadership through spiritual truths, programming and activities. We
believe that our children are the church of today! We train children to
be of service to God and the local church. Our pastoral staff is always
available to provide needed assistance for your family by calling the
church office at (574) 264-3109.
Sunday School
Sunday School is
held in the upper deck (upstairs children’s wing) on Sunday mornings at
10:00 a.m. Students are on a 4 year scope and sequence of lessons that
prepare them with the foundations of spiritual knowledge that will
allow them to make responsible and accountable decisions as teens and
young adults. We have several areas where children learn through
experiential methods, which include computers, games, lending
library, drama and music.
Feel free to join us at any of the
activities listed. If you have any questions, please contact
the church office at (574) 264-3109 . Our goal is to see
children come to know Jesus. If you would like to volunteer,
we always have available positions open. Whatever your skill
level or your commitment of time, you can be used for God’s
kingdom.
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For ages
K- 6th grade meet Every
Sunday at 10:00.
Come
Join Us!
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Children in the Tabernacle Room build their
own city!
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Wendy Jo Martin and Jeffrey Barrick,
local artists, created murals
and painted doorways, continuing the specific room themes. |
The computer workshop continues to be
updated, as technology grows as fast as the children
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The church school offers the
opportunity for learning through different methods, known as
multi-dimensional learning. |
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Workshops
have included Cooking, Science, Bible Knowledge,
Games, Video Live, Drama, Puppetry, Art, Computer, and Storytelling. |
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Children's Fountain View Library, with
a wide assortment of books
for children to borrow. |
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Sonshine Kids
Sonshine Kids is a great way for
3, 4, and young 5 year-old children to be introduced to
church, God, and Jesus, as well as have fun with
new friends! We meet in room 106 from 10:00-11:00. This area
is staffed by 2 teachers who rotate bimonthly. Preschool
curriculum is used to promote lifelong friend-ships and a love
for God and the church.Come and Join us! You'll want to
stay!
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Noah's Ark Nursery
Our nursery is staffed with 3
adult staff members and several volunteers. We are always seeking
people to share in the infant and toddler program through volunteering
one service a month. Mary Freed is our nursery director. Ages for
Noah’s Ark is birth-age 3.
Nursery care is
available Sunday mornings from 8:15 am -12:00 pm and with advance
notice at all church events. Mary Freed is
our Nursery Coordinator, and together with assistance from parents,
grandparents,
and youth volunteers, babies and toddlers are greeted by a familiar,
friendly
face every week.
The Nursery is equipped with silent pagers for
parents to take into
worship. If there is a need, we can reach you quickly and
quietly,
hopefully giving you peace of mind as you leave your children in our
care!
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Summer Opportunities
Church school
Summer church school is offered at 10:00 a.m. until June.
Summer worship times are 8:30, 9:15 and 11:00.
Camps & Conferences
Geneva
Center:
This camp/conference center in
Rochester, IN,
is
part of our Presbytery.
It offers summer camp experiences for children and families, as well as
youth retreats and Elderhostels throughout the year.
Synod
School A week long event for
families,
held every summer at Hanover College,
IN, Sponsored by the Synod
of Lincoln
Trails. Don't let the word "school" fool you. The
learning
opportunities are there - but it's loads of fun!
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Children's Choirs
Contact Director of Music: Celia
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Rehearsal
Schedule:
Melodia
Choir (grades 1-3)
Wednesdays, 5:00 - 5:25
Junior Chorale (grades 4-6)
Wednesdays, 5:30 -6:00
Westminster Choir
(grades 7 - 12)
Wednesdays, 6:30 - 7:00
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Children in Worship
Children and Youth are an
important part of the worship life of
our congregation. They participate and provide worship leadership
in many ways: in choirs, as liturgists, ushers and greeters, offering
special
music or liturgical dance, and more. To encourage children in their
worship
experience, we offer:
Children’s
Choirs:
Melodia
Choir (grades 1-3), Jr. Chorale (grades 4-6), and Westminster Choir (7
- 12) rehearse Wednesday
afternoons,
from 5:00 to 5:25, 5:30 to 6:00, and 6:30 to 7:00, respectively.
Choir Director: Celia Weiss.
Worship Packets:
Available in
the hallway adjacent to
the Sanctuary. The notebook includes worksheets tied to the
morning’s
scripture readings, as well as activity sheets and storybooks.
Communion:
Children are invited
to share in Lord’s
Supper
as part of the family of faith. Parents are encouraged to discuss the
meaning
and importance of this sacrament with their children.
Baptisms
are scheduled
throughout the year. We practice infant
baptism, as well as baptism for believers. Preparation
classes
are offered for parents in advance of each scheduled Baptism.
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Fun for Families
Susie's
Kids: Lots
of games & activity resources!
Sunday School Software:
A select assortment of Christian links "and other odd or interesting
links"
for Teachers, Pastors, & Parent compile by Neil
MacQueen
Just
4 Kids Magazine:
Full of Stories, Crafts, Songs, Poems, Activities, Gifts and
Games.
Faith
at Home: ideas for celebrating Palm Sunday to Holy Week with your
children.
And, we recommend the book, "Making Time for
God" by Susan R. Garrett
& Amy Plantinga Pauw. This book of "Daily Devotions for
children
& families to share" is a great resource.

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| Links
Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) Year
of the Child
Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) Family
Ministries
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Update: February 26, 2009
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